Republican News · Thursday 31 January 2002

Maskey in Basque Country for new peace proposals

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey travelled to the Basque Country on Saturday 26 January to attend the launch of Batasuna's new peace proposals, 'A Scenario for Peace in the Basque Country'.

Batasuna invited Maskey to explain the conflict resolution process in which Sinn Féin is involved and the evolution of the process and to discuss whether aspects of the Irish peace process can be used to aid a similar process in the Basque Country. Speaking in advance of his visit Maskey said:

"In recent years, in areas of the world with long running conflicts, we have seen important political developments come about through the use of negotiation and dialogue. The end of apartheid and the beginning of democracy in South Africa arose following decades of hostility and war. While there are many differences between the various conflicts that exist around the world there are a number of common elements available that can help achieve peaceful resolutions.

"In the first instance successful peace processes require dialogue and negotiation based on inclusion and equality. Participants must approach such processes seeking an inclusive agreement. And finally, the international community can play a crucial role in encouraging, sustaining and facilitating a conflict resolution process.

"All of us share a responsibility to address conflict and injustice and in particular Irish republicans have sought to share our experience of conflict resolution and the lessons which we have learned with others, just as we learned much from the ANC in South Africa.

" I welcome the initiative taken by Batasuna in launching these new peace proposals. I believe that the opportunity now exists to build a real and inclusive peace process for the Basque Country. I hope that the Basque parties and the Spanish and French governments respond positively to these proposals.

"The international community also has a important role to play in this process by exercising goodwill and influence and by actively seeking and encouraging dialogue and agreement."